The 4th Smart Maritime Network Athens Conference (SMN Athens 2023) was held on May 10th at the BLE Pavilion in Alimos, with the participation of top executives from shipping companies and major technology firms in the industry. 
AMMITEC (the Association of IT Managers in Shipping) organized a panel discussion on the new role of IT in the era of digital transformation in shipping. The discussion was moderated by Stelios Sampanis, IT Director at Gaslog and a member of the Board of Directors of Ammitec. The panelists were IT leaders from major shipping companies: Dimitris Pavlidis (Euronav), Ioannis Rizos (Millenia), Theophano Somaripa (Newport), and Themistocles Sardis (Costamare), President of Ammitec. 
The keynote speakers and panel discussions, featuring prominent experts in the field, focused on exploring the challenges and opportunities that arise in the context of the maritime industry's digital transformation. The discussions covered sustainability, innovation, investment opportunities, compliance with regulations, new developments in satellite communications and data standardization. 
The discussion highlighted the new strategic role of the IT Manager, which has evolved from purely technical and supportive to becoming a pilot in the enterprise's digital transformation. 
The shipping industry is facing the impact of a rapidly changing landscape, with the digital transformation as its main reference point. The need for increased efficiency, reduced pollution, and com
liance with international regulations, is driving shipping companies to adopt innovative solutions with Data technologies (BI, Analytics) and Artificial intelligence (AI) at their core. 
Senior IT executives have the advantage and opportunity to lead this transformation, as they possess the multifaceted knowledge of available technological solutions to design and define the strategy for the digital transformation of their business. The IT Manager is working closely with management, providing valuable information through data analysis and business intelligence, selecting cutting-edge solutions that align with the company culture, leveraging the latest advancements in technologies such as AI and cloud computing and helping ensure their successful implementation. At the same time, it is crucial to take necessary precautions to prevent the business from being vulnerable to cyber-attacks as the reliance on technology continues to grow.
The difficulty in finding specialized IT professionals with expertise in areas such as Data Analytics, Cyber Security, Development, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning was also noted during the discussion. Despite IT being the champion in the job market and there is now fertile ground for both work and professional development, demand is high but unfortunately, supply is still low. 
Participants discussed the need for acquiring new skills that are not so much related to technical issues, but to so-called "soft skills", such as administrative skills, project management, budgeting, and data analysis. There was extensive discussion about the Covid period and how digital readiness, and available teleworking and cloud infrastructure solutions helped the shipping industry to continue providing services safely so that the transport of goods was not interrupted. 
Finally, the participants highlighted the need for equal participation of women in administrative positions in technological roles and pointed out the gap that still exists, both in lower-level positions and in leadership roles. 

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The shareholders’ meeting of RINA, the multinational inspection, certification and engineering consultancy, approved the financial statement for the fiscal year ending 31 December 2022, showing net revenues of 664 million euros, up 21% compared to 2021. At the same time, net profits rose to 12.5 million euros, compared to 8.1 million euros in 2021. After accounting for the impact of the share purchase transaction and the acquisition of Patrick Engineering, the normalised Net Financial Position is €114 million. The company also presented a new strategic plan running to 2027, confirming the key focus areas of energy transition and ESG, and the objective of achieving organic revenues of approximately 1.25 billion euros. The plan is underpinned by growth across all sectors, from Engineering Consultancy to Testing, Inspection & Certification (TIC), with significant growth anticipated not only in Italy but also in the USA, the UK, the Middle East and Asia.
The recent acquisition of Patrick Engineering - the Chicago-based engineering consultancy company - is part of a development plan in North America in the energy, infrastructure, industry and mobility markets.
In the Marine sector, the company reaffirmed the strategic importance of Greece and Asia, while the Certification business unit aims to expand its presence in Europe and consolidate its position in Italy. Furthermore, the company is pursuing its goal of becoming the dominant player in the Italian Real Estate industry and beyond.
RINA will support this development with significant internal growth. By 2027, the organization plans to employ over 1800 highly skilled technical experts worldwide who will be instrumental in driving the Group's digital transformation. Key roles will include environmental and computer engineers, project managers, and graduates in economics.
2023 is shaping up to be a strong year for RINA, despite the challenges posed by global inflation. The company's key markets continue to perform well, as reflected in the first-quarter results, which met budget expectations. Looking ahead, RINA is well poised to capitalise on a range of timely opportunities, from infrastructure and renewable energy to nuclear, cybersecurity, and even space and defence.
Ugo Salerno, President and CEO of RINA, stated: “2022 closed with results in line with growth projections, despite external factors such as the conflict in Ukraine and rising energy costs. This confirms the robustness of our businesses and the value of our strategic decisions, including our commitment to energy transition and our move towards increasingly sustainable and digital services and processes. Our aim is to maintain our position as leaders - even in thought - in the industries we operate in, drawing on the multidisciplinary expertise we have acquired through the many projects we have undertaken over the years.
The strategic goals we set two years ago are still coming to fruition: our expansion over the Atlantic will enable us to establish a strong foothold in the USA, as part of our global organic growth strategy that has brought nearly a thousand new colleagues to RINA in the past year. We plan to hire approximately 600 new staff, half of whom will be based in Italy, by the end of 2023. Our success is built on our people, who are the driving force behind our activities and the key to ensuring the company’s future prosperity”.
RINA provides a wide range of services across the Energy & Mobility, Marine, Certification, Infrastructure & Real Estate and Industry sectors. With net revenues in 2022 of 664 million euros, 5.300 employees and 200 offices in 70 countries worldwide, RINA is a member of key international organizations and an important contributor to the development of new legislative standards.
Image: Ugo Salerno, President and CEO of RINA

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The well-known commercial agent of shipyards and provider of technical services Marine Plus introduced its cooperation with Bulyard, one of the most quality and reliable shiprepair yards in Bulgaria.
In the presence of Mr. Sasho Milanov Dobrev, Executive Director and Mr. Kaloyan Petrov Gunchev, Commercial Director of Bulyard Shipbuilding Industry, Greek shipping officials attended a brief presentation of the shipyard’s services and capabilities.
Dimitris Vranopoulos President and CEO of Marine Plus S.A. welcomed the guests and pointed out that Bulyard is a reliable partner in the field of ship repairs for ships trading in the Black Sea Region.
Bulyard has two graving docks and maintains a modern steel workshop.
The shipyard can also undertake special projects and aims at establishing honest and long standing relationships.

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Attica Group, parent company of SUPERFAST FERRIES, BLUE STAR FERRIES and HELLENIC SEAWAYS, has received 10 awards in Tourism Awards 2023, hosted by Boussias Communications.
The award ceremony took place on Thursday, 27th April and Attica Group received 4 Gold, 2 Silver and 4 Bronze awards:

- Gold award in the category “Sustainability-Rational Energy and RES Management-Natural resources consumption reduction-Energy footprint reduction” for Hellenic Seaways’ Aero Highspeed vessels.
- Gold award in the category “Sustainability-CSR Initiatives” for “Sailing Together” programme.
- Gold award in the category “Sustainability-Covid-Safe Practices & Services” for the protection provided to our workforce and passengers against Covid-19 pandemic.
- Gold award in the category “Sustainability-Accessible Tourism” for the “All different but equal. One Group, One Crew” programme.
- Silver award in the category “Branding/Media/Public Relations-Content Marketing Strategy” for the Presentation of destinations & Road Trip Ideas in combination with voyage on the Greece-Italy routes with Superfast Ferries.
- Silver award in the category “Sustainability-CSR Initiatives” for the “First Aid” programme.
- Bronze award in the category “Branding/Media/Public Relations-Integrated Marketing campaign” for the Blue Star Ferries’ campaign.
- Bronze award in the category “Digital Tourism-Online strategy” for the Hellenic Seaways’ multiple-channel online strategy.
- Bronze award in the category “Sustainability-Contribution to local economy/Support of local communities/ Employment Support” for the Overall Social Contribution of Attica Group.
- Bronze award in the category “Travel/Loyalty Programmes” for Attica Group “Seasmiles” Loyalty Programme.

Attica Group is engaged in passenger shipping through SUPERFAST FERRIES, BLUE STAR FERRIES, HELLENIC SEAWAYS, and AFRICA MOROCCO LINK, operating 35 vessels in total, providing modern and high-quality transportation services in Greece and abroad. Attica’s vessels serve 61 unique destinations in 4 countries, connecting 79 ports and transporting more than 6 million passengers, 1 million private vehicles and 500,000 freight units annually.

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The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) and its President, Mr. Nick Larigakis, recently delivered the Hellenic Heritage Public Service Award to Irene Daifas, Deputy Mayor of Piraeus and CEO of Stavros Daifas Maritime Corporation SA, for her professional career as well as her contribution to Culture.
AHI also honored Mr. Simeon Tsomokos, Founder and President of the Delphi Economic Forum, for supporting, promoting and strengthening United States-Greece relations.
Daughter of the late Helen and Stavros Daifas, Irene was born in Athens and studied Psychology and Sociology in Greece and Business Administration in Great Britain. In 2014 she took over the family's shipping company, Stavros Daifas Maritime Corporation SA where as CEO and Managing Director. Her special relationship with Piraeus starts with her affection for the city itself. In 2014 she was elected Authorized Municipal Counsilor of Culture of the Municipality of Piraeus and she was reelected again in 2019. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of (OPAN) Organisation for the Culture and Sports for young people of the Municipality of Piraeus). In 2016 Irene was the first woman ever elected as president of the Piraeus Marine Club and is currently serving her second three-year term (the maximum allowable according to the Club's articles of association). Irene strongly believes in the potential that education affords to young people. To that end, she established two scholarships in memory of her late father, through the Union of Greek Shipowners for postgraduate studies in Shipping and through HELMEPA for postgraduate studies in Naval Architecture - Marine Engineering and Technology, and Environmental Science and Sustainability.
Deputy Minister Mr. Fragogiannis, who represented the government in his greeting said that the Greek government is committed to its relationship with USA an invaluable transatlantic partner.
Mr. Larigakis referred to the recent events of the Ukraine war and the earthquakes in Turkey where Greece showed its solidarity.
Immediately after, he described the exceptional personality of the honored persons of Irene Daifa and Simeon Tsomokos.
He expressed his pride in the Greece-US cooperation as a factor of stability and commercial partner in many activities including shipping.
We will continue to strive for the resolution of the national issues of our country and Cyprus based on international law.
Iriene Daifas expressed her appreciation for being among dear friends and stated that she is dedicated to strengthening Greek-American relations.
The members of AHI remarked that the two personalities are an example to follow for the future and serve the aspirations of the two countries of Greece and America.

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The Cyprus Chamber of Shipping held its 34th Annual General Meeting with great success and participation, on Tuesday, 9 May 2023, at the "Four Seasons" hotel in Limassol, which has attended by State and Government dignitaries, Political Party representatives, Members of the House of Representatives, Diplomats, representatives of Professional Organisations and as well as by the resident Industry.
The General Meeting was addressed by the President of the Republic, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, the President of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Annita Demetriou, the Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), which the Chamber has been a Member for 30 years, Mr. Guy Platten and by the President of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, Mr. Themis Papadopoulos.
In his address, the President of the Republic, praised and congratulated the Cyprus Shipping Chamber for its continuous contribution and active involvement in the further development of Cyprus Shipping and emphasised the commitment of the new Government to continue the close cooperation with the Chamber and provide the necessary political support to the Shipping Industry, through the quick introduction of specific mechanisms necessary to further strengthen the sector.
The President of the House of Representatives, mentioned that the fact that Shipping has remained a strong and steady pillar of Cyprus economy, despite the challenges that are faced by the global economy, is commendable and admirable. She also reaffirmed, οn behalf of all the Members of the House of Representatives, the Parliament’s commitment to work closely with the Chamber, for the advancement of the Shipping sector in Cyprus.
In his address, the Secretary General of ICS, congratulated the Chamber’s President, Mr. Themis Papadopoulos, for his recent re-election as one of the Vice-Presidents of ICS and thanked the Chamber for its longstanding input into ICS work, thus help shaping a better future for International Shipping. In relation to the Industry’s decarbonisation efforts, stated that collaboration across the entire value chain is the only way we can forge a path to a decarbonised future.
Finally, the President of the Chamber, reviewed the challenges and developments that took place in 2022 in relation to Cyprus Shipping and the Chamber’s activities towards the further development of the sector. He also mentioned that Shipping is one of the most serious economic pillars of the country and enhances the prestige of Cyprus, as a superpower in Shipping. Therefore, he emphasised, among other matters, the need for the immediate completion of the “One-Stop-Shipping-Center” at the Shipping Deputy Ministry and the swift preparation and approval of the regulations for the implementation of the “Shipping Company with Limited Liability”. In relation to the longstanding Turkish Embargo to Cyprus ships, he asked for concrete support of the Government and Diplomats to use their influence to immediately lift this illegal restriction. In addition, he stated the commitment of the Chamber to continue its efforts for the fast and sustainable green transition of the Shipping Industry, through its active involvement in regional and international Shipping organisations, which represents the resident Industry for many years now.
During the Meeting, elections were also held for the new twelve Board of Directors of the Chamber for the period 2023-2025. Mr. Themis Papadopoulos was re-elected as President of the Chamber for a second two-year term with eleven top-level esteemed professionals from the Chamber’s Member-companies.

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First launched in 2018, UK Club’s ‘Carefully to Carry’ provides the definitive guide to safe carriage, loading and storage of cargo. The highly successful 2023 edition has now been updated to reflect recent regulatory changes and best practices in the industry.
‘Carefully to Carry’ covers an exhaustive range of cargo types, including timber, gases, grain, metals, bulk goods, refrigerated goods, liquid bulk cargoes, and packaged cargoes. By utilising this guide, industry professionals can reduce the likelihood of costly cargo damage and preventable incidents.
This edition has been amended to include new content throughout the book, with key updates such as:

• A reorganised Part 2, including a new Chapter 11 on fertilizers and issues related to ammonium nitrate cargoes.
• New subsections on petroleum coke cargoes (7.2), nickel ore cargoes which may liquefy (8.4), and bauxite cargoes which may liquefy (8.5).
• New chapters on hold preparation and cleaning (Chapter 17), soya bean cargoes (Chapter 5), and seed cake cargoes (Chapter 50).

These amendments ensure that the guidance aligns with recent changes to the IMSBC Code and addresses the associated changes with bulk cargo transportation, particularly cargoes with a risk of liquefaction.
The Club celebrated the book launch with an in-person event held on Thursday 27 April at the Yacht Club of Greece. Sean Geraghty, Regional Director of Greece for the Club, Stuart Edmonston, Loss Prevention Director for the Club, and Dimitris Fafalios, Chairman of INTERCARGO discussed the latest updates with a diverse audience that included members of the Club, local brokers, classification societies, flag registries and members of the media.
Stuart Edmonston, Loss Prevention Director for the Club said: “We were thrilled to meet with industry experts and guests to discuss the relaunch of 2023’s ‘Carefully to Carry’ in Greece. The latest book reflects the Club’s commitment to providing the most up-to-date advice and guidance to our members. The success of previous editions underscores the importance of this comprehensive guide in ensuring safe and efficient cargo transportation. We’re confident that the latest release will continue to be an invaluable resource for the industry.”
Dimitrios Fafalios, INTERCARGO Chairman, commented: “Our Association is committed to safety and quality in ship operations with a focus on operational efficiency and the protection of the marine environment. The issue as to whether a cargo is safe or unsafe is crucial to the lives of those at sea and the protection of their vessels. This edition represents more than 60 years’ worth of experience from several generations of international cargo experts together with claims and loss prevention specialists at one of the world’s leading P&I clubs. We welcome this revised edition which is a true-one-stop shop for anyone involved in moving cargoes at sea and an initiative we are proud to support.”

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Four Tourism Awards -- one Gold, one Silver and two Bronze -- showcase the company’s strategic investment in providing authentic experiences to its passengers and its commitment to the upgrade of the Greek tourism product. In the 10 years that this prestigious competition has been running, the company has received a total of 35 awards.
Celestyal, the award-winning number one choice for travelers to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, was honored for the 10 th consecutive year at the Tourism Awards 2023, a prestigious event that pays tribute to the key players within the Greek hospitality and tourism industries. The company won four awards, 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze, demonstrating its commitment to the promotion and enrichment of the Greek tourism product by offering its guests integrated, authentic experiences with a focus on the destination.
Celestyal was honored with a Gold award in the category “Fam and Press Trips”, which are organized for journalists, tour operators and tourism professionals, as well as for influencers. The trips aim to introduce the Greek destinations to the international tourism market and highlight the unique Greek culture, Greek gastronomy and the unrivaled Greek experience.
Celestyal was also awarded with a Silver Award in the category “Advertising Campaign - Media Promotion”. With a focus on “Blue”, the on-board experience, the new excursion programs, an enriched culinary experience and a competitive portfolio of destinations, Celestyal acted as a content hub, addressing its audience in a multitude of markets via a comprehensive program of communication activities and initiatives and activating all communication and PR channels in the countries where it has a commercial presence.
In addition, the company received two (2) Bronze Awards in the categories “Multichannel Marketing” and “Enrichment of the Greek Tourism Product”. Whether it is the whispering of the waves, a walk through the ancient ruins of the destinations’ cultural sites, the first taste of a family island recipe passed down from generation to generation or a vegan signature dessert based on the traditional Greek dishes served on board, each passenger leaves the cruise having created their own GREEK story.
“We are delighted and grateful to be acknowledged at the Tourism Awards 2023 for our leading practices and innovative initiatives. This recognition comes as a result of the hard work of the entire Celestyal team and our commitment to the ongoing growth and development of Greek cruising and the upgrading of tourism in Greece. At the heart of our philosophy is the creation of personalized experiences for our passengers, meeting their desire to “travel” further and bringing them even closer to the destinations we visit” said Mr. Chris Theofilides, CEO of Celestyal.
For the past ten years the Tourism Awards have been considered a prestigious event in the tourism industry, honoring pioneers and innovators in Greek tourism. The awards recognize individuals and organizations that have contributed to the development of quality tourism with best practices that highlight excellence and leadership in the industry. This year’s Tourism Awards ceremony was held on Thursday, April 27th at the Grand Hyatt Athens and was attended by more than 500 people.
About Celestyal: Celestyal has fast built an award-winning reputation and recognition as the number one choice for travellers to the Greek Islands and East Mediterranean thanks to its regional expertise and exceptional hospitality. The company operates two vessels, each one intimate enough to provide guests with a genuine and highly personalised experience. The foundation of the company’s philosophy is built on a unique Greek heritage which combines outstanding hospitality with genuine cultural destination immersion and provides authentic, lifetime experiences both onboard and onshore.

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Sharing the same values and vision in the sector of marine logistics Horizon Air Freight and Swift Marine have come together as one with the aim to extend global reach and deliver outstanding port agency and marine logistics services.
Horizon Air Freight and Swift Marine have entered a strategic business partnership and united as a single company from March 27, 2022. The new joint company will offer a unique combination of marine logistics and port agency services in North America, South America, Asia, and Europe.
To mark the success of this new venture and explore the many benefits that Horizon Air Freight and Swift Marine will bring to their clients the two companies organised an outstanding presentation of this great partnership at Four Seasons, Astir Palace Hotel in Vouliagmeni of Athens.
"Two great companies have become one for the betterment of our clients," said Steve Leondis, CEO of Horizon Group. "Together, Horizon and Swift can offer the next level in service through an even larger, stronger network for our customers."
"Together, Horizon and Swift can provide unmatched value for our customers," said Nico Koumbatis, CEO of Swift Marine. "Our shared mission is to deliver everything they need to their ports of call while also managing the logistics along the way."

The combined services following the partnership include:

• Best in class customer experience from Port agency to logistics
• Streamlined data communication and collaboration with all parties along the supply chain
• High tech marine solutions and in-depth global knowledge of custom procedures arranging the last mile from port to vessel worldwide
• White-glove port call service with talent on board to ensure customer success
• Consolidation and freight forwarding of spares, supplies, and equipment from any vendor worldwide
• Port call agency services at more than 100 served ports in the Americas
• Last mile services for more than 500 ports worldwide with an over 99% Global On Time Delivery Rate
• Spares and supplies consolidation at Horizon Group's 30+ global warehouses
• Import and export documentation services
• Customs pre-clearance for all inbound air and ocean shipments
• Last-mile delivery services at any port of call

About Horizon Group
Horizon Group keeps fleet shipshape and on schedule with global marine logistics by air, land, and sea. Critical marine spares, supplies, and equipment from any vendor worldwide: consolidated, expedited, delivered door to deck. Whatever you need, wherever you need it, we'll get it there on time and on budget. With more than 50 years of experience, we keep more than 3,000 ships safe, able, and sailing.
About Swift Marine
Swift Marine Group is a dynamic organization with extensive experience in the complex world of marine logistics and forwarding. Leveraging its prowess as a frontrunner in IT innovation, Swift acts as a consolidated control tower for its large and diversified customer portfolio to streamline data communication and collaboration with all parties along the supply chain.

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MSC Cruises recently held a major event on board MSC Musica in the port of Piraeus for nearly 200 members of the Greek travel industry to celebrate the ship’s summer 2023 sailing season in the East Mediterranean.  
This is the second time that MSC Cruises has based one of its ships in Greece to allow its guests to embark in Piraeus and the first time that MSC Musica has homeported in the country.
The ship will operate 26 seven-night voyages between May and October from Piraeus to visit the island of Santorini; Kusadasi, Turkey; Haifa, Israel; Limassol, Cyprus and a second Greek island Mykonos before returning to the port that serves Athens.
Angelo Capurro, Sales Executive Director - New Emerging Markets, MSC Cruises, said “When we first based a ship last year in Piraeus – MSC Lirica - we said that for the 2023 summer season we would increase our capacity to cater for the growth in demand from Greek holidaymakers, as well as international guests.  MSC Musica fulfills that objective and we’re very confident of a successful sailing season and welcoming many repeat holidaymakers onboard as well as those that are new to cruise.
“The seven-night itinerary is very appealing for both the domestic market who can embark from their local port and for those travelling from overseas to join the ship. They can all look forward to an enthralling and cosmopolitan ambience, fine dining restaurants, world-class entertainment, relaxing bars and lounges, boutique shopping, a relaxing spa and clubs for toddlers to teenagers. 
“There is, quite simply, something for everyone to enjoy.”
MSC Cruises’ ‘Stay & Cruise’ packages launched in 2022 will be available from July to include a two night ‘Athens Experience’ in a four-star hotel in the capital city with airport transfers and those to the port of Piraeus ahead of a seven-night cruise for guests flying from abroad to join the ship. 
The East Mediterranean Sea will play an important role in MSC Cruises’ summer 2023 sailing programme with a record seven of its vessels deployed in the region with the main focus on Greece and its islands.          
MSC Sinfonia will visit Piraeus 20 times during the summer months with voyages between Greece, Croatia and Italy and five other ships in the line’s fleet – MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Splendida, MSC Opera and MSC Divina - will call at the Greek islands of Crete, Rhodes, Kefalonia, Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu and Zakynthos throughout the season.  MSC Poesia in the Autumn will also visit Piraeus.
Greece was recently highlighted by MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago when he gave a keynote speech at a conference in Thessaloniki in his capacity as the Global Chair of the Cruise Line International Association, the world’s largest cruise industry trade body.
Mr Vago revealed that the beneficial economic impact that cruise tourism brought to Greece surpassed Euros €1 billion and generated more than 15,000 jobs in the country, and he explained that homeporting a ship brought the strongest economic benefits for a destination.
Mr Vago said, “In Greece today, the economic benefits from the tourists that come to these shores on cruise ships are already higher than in 2019.  This is in part thanks to the great work by local authorities to increase homeporting operations in Greece. 
“Homeporting brings the strongest economic benefits for any destination.  It increases the time that tourists spend ashore both before and after the cruise, including demand for accommodation.  There are also the benefits of expenditures by passengers during their stay, including for services, food, entertainment, and shopping.
“Every cruise tourist at the port of embarkation typically spends more than € Euro 400, while the amount at the ports visited along the ship’s itinerary is estimated to be at least Euro €100 a passenger.  Supplying, maintaining, and refuelling our ships also adds more jobs at homeports.”
Mr Vago added during his speech that six out of 10 cruise travellers subsequently return for longer stays to the destinations they visited during their voyage which generates opportunities for local businesses to develop and market their products and services to new, wider audiences.
He concluded, “Greece now has an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen its position as a cruise hub in the region.”
About MSC Musica
The 16 deck MSC Musica offers a distinctive cruise experience centred on elegance, comfort and hospitality with 1,275 guest cabins.  The ship’s central foyer has a three-tier waterfall and see-through piano suspended on a crystal floor above a pool of shimmering water.
There is a choice of eight indoor and two outdoor lounges and bars, four restaurants, three swimming pools, a nightclub, boutique shops, a library, a game room and for families there is a dedicated areas for children of all ages with special clubs for toddlers and teens.  Live entertainment is offered in the Teatro La Scala and a lavish spa is available for those wishing to unwind.
About MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise brand as well as the leader in Europe, South America, the Middle East and Southern Africa with more market share in addition to deployed capacity than any other player. It is also the fastest growing global cruise brand with a strong presence in the Caribbean, North America and the Far East markets.
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC Cruises one of the two brands that sit within the Cruise Division of MSC Group, the leading privately held Swiss-based shipping and logistics conglomerate with over 300 years of maritime heritage. MSC Cruises – the contemporary brand - has a modern fleet of 21 vessels combined with a sizeable future global investment portfolio of new vessels. The fleet is projected to grow to 23 cruise ships by 2025.
MSC Cruises offers its guests an enriching, immersive and safe cruise experience inspired by the Company’s European heritage, where they can enjoy international dining, world-class entertainment, award-winning family programmes and the very latest user-friendly technology on board. To learn more about MSC Cruises’ itineraries and experience on board its ships please see here.
MSC Cruises has long been committed to environmental stewardship with a long-term goal to achieve net zero emissions for its operations by 2050. The Company is also a significant investor in next-generation environmental marine technologies, with the objective to support their accelerated development and availability industry-wide. To learn more about the Company’s environmental commitment please see here. 

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